Laying shingles is an essential part of any roofing project, whether you’re a homeowner or professional contractor. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish in just 11 steps. Follow this guide to learn how to lay shingles properly.

1. Gather your materials: To get started, you’ll need roofing shingles, roofing nails, a hammer, a utility knife, a chalk line, a tape measure, a roofing shovel or pry bar, and a ladder.

2. Remove old shingles: If you’re working on an existing roof, use the roofing shovel or pry bar to remove old shingles and any damaged underlayment. Be sure to dispose of the old materials properly.

3. Inspect the roof deck: Before installing new shingles, check the roof deck for any damage or rot. Repair or replace any compromised areas as necessary.

4. Install drip edge: Along the eaves and rakes of your roof, install drip edge flashing to protect the edges from water damage. Make sure it’s securely nailed in place and overlaps at the corners.

5. Lay underlayment: Roll out and install roofing underlayment from bottom to top of your roof deck in horizontal rows. Overlap each row by at least three inches to create a waterproof barrier.

6. Snap chalk lines: Use a chalk line to snap horizontal guidelines for your shingle courses, starting at the bottom of the roof with lines every five inches apart.

7. Start with starter shingles: At the lowest edge of your roof, begin installing starter shingles from one end to the other. These are typically shorter than standard shingles and will help create a straight first course while preventing water leaks at the eaves.

8. Install your first course of shingles: Starting from one end and working towards the other, install full-length standard shingles onto your first chalk line on top of the starter shingles. Secure each shingle with roofing nails, placed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

9. Use a staggered pattern: For the next row, cut the first shingle by half so that the seams between shingles don’t align. This staggered pattern will help prevent water leaks and give your roof a more finished look.

10. Continue up the roof: Repeat steps 8 and 9 for each successive course of shingles, using chalk lines as guides and maintaining a staggered pattern. Make sure to properly overlap each row of shingles.

11. Install ridge cap shingles: Lastly, once you’ve reached the top row of your roof, install specially designed ridge cap shingles to protect the peak of your roof and add a final touch to your project.

With these 11 steps, you’ll have successfully laid shingles on your roof, providing protection and curb appeal to your home. Remember that proper safety precautions must be taken when working on a roof, and if in doubt, consult a professional roofer for guidance.